JRC Scientific Development Programmes

The JRC offers PhD students several opportunities to advance their career and knowledge through its Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action programmes.

The JRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDPs) programme was established to foster strategic cooperation with institutions of higher education that have excellent research credentials and an international reputation. The programme is designed to train a new generation of doctoral students in specific scientific fields, with a focus on the science-policy interface.

CDPs provide candidates and their respective institutions with hands-on experience in research for policymaking processes. Students gain valuable insights and transferable skills in policy support, science communication and knowledge management.

Applications for a CDP placement falls into thematic areas aligned with the JRC’s work-programme. Past themes have included digital governance, artificial intelligence for earth observation, smart connected and clean mobility, and behavioural insights applied to policymaking.

Individual students cannot apply for a CDP. Applications are only accepted from universities or higher education institutions. After the institution has been accepted into the programme, doctoral students can apply for the placement.

Screening processes are carried out jointly by JRC and the university. Placements are either for one or two years. During this time, doctoral students are offered a grant holder employment contract, and training and travel-for-work costs will be covered.

Read more about the JRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships.

JRC is also open to applications for fellowships and funding for research and innovation projects under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Networks (MSCA– DN) programme, an initiative that supports highly-skilled doctoral candidates, to stimulate their creativity and enhance their innovation capacity.

MSCA participants receive hands-on exposure to the science-to-policy cycle at the JRC. They benefit from unique training in world-class facilities, as well as, access to JRC datasets and methodology. Ultimately, they form part of the planning and implementation of important policies that steer the advancement of the European Union.

Find out more about applying for doctoral fellowships or funding with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action.

MSCA participants receive hands-on

exposure to the science-to-policy cycle at the JRC. They benefit from unique training in world-class facilities, as well as, access to JRC datasets and methodology.